BCSC Newsletter VOLUME 15, ISSUE 9 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Important Events 1 BPAA Menu Boards 1 BPAA Officer Recruitment BCSC Partners 2-3 President s Perspective 4 Executive Director s Report Obiturary: Vic Dunlop 6 Soda Tax Update 6 Vic Dunlop Tribute 7 1 5 October will be a month to remember for the BCSC It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of leagues returning to your centers this month, so we wanted to make sure you re looking ahead to a very busy October. Both the West Coast Bowling Convention and the BCSC Annual Meeting take place in October from the 2-4 and the 26, respectively. See inside the newsletter for details on these Must-Attend events! BPAA Introduces New, FREE Menu Board Software Thinking About Changing Up Your Snack Bar Menu Boards? Check out the NEW FREE software from BPAA that helps you create your own professional Digital Menu Board. Dynamic and customizable menu boards that capture attention and increase sales Promote key food and beverage products with integrated beverage & food images Easily manage category descriptions, menu item descriptions and price points Promote deals and special offers with promotional bar Only available to BPAA centers pouring Pepsi under the National Agreement Contact terry@bpaa.com for more information and how you can get your free software. OC Regional Meeting 8 The Lighting Store 9 Qubica-AMF 10 Member Profile 11 School Grant Program 12 Pepsi 13 CBW Letter 14 Board of Directors 15 WBPI 16 BPAA Looking for Volunteers to Serve The BPAA Nominating Committee will be conducting interviews during the Bowling Summit in January 2012 for anyone interested in serving as a BPAA officer or board member for 2012-13. Applications are being accepted through Thursday, December 15, 2011. For your copy of the application or for more information, contact Judy@bpaa.com or call 800.343.1329, Ext. 8461. The BPAA's Bowling Summit returns to California's beautiful and relaxing Napa Valley and the Meritage Resort January 22-25, 2012. You don't want to miss this rejuvenating, informative and educational mid-winter conference. This is a great time to take a break from all those fall & winter leagues and get re-energized for the rest of winter and spring. More details to come soon, but mark your calendars now and make plans to attend!
PAGE 2 American Consulting Group Eric Martin 23361 Madero, Suite 220 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 800-747-8666 www.american-consulting.com BCSC PARTNERS Herzog Insurance Agency Bob Herzog 235 Main Street Pleasanton, CA 94566 800-300-1303 info@herzogins.com Betson/Lavazza Britannie Betti 303 Paterson Plank Road Calstadt, NJ 07072 800-524-2343x3406 bbetti@betson.com Bowling Music Network Adam Melrose 787 Adelaide St North, Suite 2 London, Ontario, CN N5Y 2L8 866-684-8324 x226 adam@bowlingmusic.com Hyperseal, Inc. Jim Busch and RC Autry 34-901 Spyder Circle Palm Desert, CA 92211 760-324-7900 sales@hypersealinc.com www.hypersealinc.com Kids Bowl Free Bruce Davis 239-389-9583 brucetalks@aol.com www.kidsbowlfree.com Dippin Dots John & Cheryl Hiller 27530 Newhall Ranch Rd. Valencia,. CA 91390 661-510-8348 661-857-3274 Eldorado Hotel & Casino John McGinnes 888-808-7720 mcginnesj@eldoradoreno.com Family Amusement Corporation Stephen or Robert Peck 876 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029 323-660-8180 info@familyamusement.com www.familyamusement.com HPSI Hospitality Spencer Gonzalez 1 Ada, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92618 949-250-4774 spencerg@hpsionline.com HPSI is a national, group purchasing, service company that negotiates contracts, collects rebates, and audits invoices for our consumers in the food service, bowling, hospitality, and healthcare industries. Lefty O Doul s Dennis & Darla Deiro 333 Geary St. San Francisco, CA 94102 714-815-8804 dennis@elitesalesmarketing.com Lime Energy Burke Ewers 2247 Lindsay Way Glendora, CA 91740 909-394-0230 bewers@lime-energy.com www.lime-energy.com Lime Energy provides energy-efficient design/build solutions for lighting, HVAC, water, weatherization and renewable energy. The Lighting Store CJ Fox 1213 East 10th St. North Newton, IA 50208 641-791-3397 cj@soundandlightkaraoke.com www.soundandlightkaraoke.com
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 9 Lind Shoe Company David Wiggins 6620 Southpoint Dr., Suite 501 Jacksonville, FL 33216 800-950-4568 x201 dwiggins@linds.com www.linds.com Lind Shoe Company supplies USBC-approved pins, house shoes and balls, essential items for pro shops. No-hassle warranty on all products. Contact us at sales@linds.com. BCSC PARTNERS Mischel & Company Bowling & Entertainment Centers Full-Service Brokers, Appraisers and Financial Advisors Ken Mischel 37 Tunapuna Lane Coronado, CA 92118 619-423-2001 Murrey International, Inc. Bill Snoberger 14150 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90061 Ph: 310-532-6091 www.murreyintl.com sales@murreyintl.com US Bowling Corporation Mark Marchido 5480 Schaefer Avenue Chino, CA 91710 909-287-0712 Fax: 909-287-0718 mark@usbowling.com PAGE 3 Switch Bowling and Billiards LLC James Borin 88894 Territorial Rd Elmira, OR 97437 972-679-4824 james@switchbowling.com Switch Bowling offers the latest technology and highest quality production methods. Check us out on www.switchbowling.com. Team Cobra Products Brenda Shaffer 800-336-7784 Brenda.Shaffer@cobraproducts.com www.cobraproducts.com VISTAR Dan Walsh 1975 E. Locust St. #B Ontario, CA 91761 909-673-1780 dwalsh@pfgc.com www.vistar.com National Planning Corporation Vayle Floria 752 Town and Country Road Orange, CA 92868 714-750-3090 ext. 110 Fax: 714-750-3091 vayle.floria@natplan.com Pepsi Mark Atcheson 1200 Arroyo St. San Fernando, CA 91340 818-838-1247 Mark.Atcheson@pepsico.com QubicaAMF Joe Roussin 190 S. Summertree Road Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 714-974-9436 jroussin@qubicaamf.us www.qubicaamf.com QubicaAMF, the leader in new bowling center development and existing center modernization, bowling equipment and support services. Western Bowling Proprietors Insurance Larry Linder 1535 E. Shaw Street, Suite 100 Fresno, CA 93710 800-200-9998 Fax 559-227-4461 Larry.Linder@att.net Win Stuff Laura Allen 47-00 33rd St. Long Island City, NY 11101 718-937-3333 ext. 181 Fax: 718-937-1037 lallen@winstuff.com Western Pacific Bowling Supply Chuck Sager / Lee Haxton 1216 W. Grove Avenue Orange, CA 92865 714-974-1733 chuck@wpbowling.com
PAGE 4 President s Perspective September 2011 Well, I know that it's time to start talking about Winter Leagues, but the weather just doesn't seem to be working with us!!! The only thing about this hot season is that our centers are weather-proof. Hot weather does the same as cold weather for getting people into the building. Talking to other centers lately, I have been hearing that league business looks pretty good for the new season, but the Friday and Saturday night open play is suffering. I must agree that it's a serious issue at my center too, but hopefully we can create an idea through the BCSC to get that problem resolved. At our last board meeting there was discussion about the association creating a program through discount clubs such as Groupon, Screamin Deals, etc. We are trying to get an open play coupon for all the centers to use with everyone having some sort of the same idea. We feel we can get some regulars as well as new faces to start bowling again. Hopefully this will be getting started sooner than later. I'm sorry to say that we have been lagging with programs this year, but we will get it going ASAP. Even though I may be repeating myself each month, I hope everyone is planning to attend our annual meeting this year at Cal State Fullerton. This event is something we started putting on again last year, and you must admit, the price of FREE is pretty good!!! This is a great chance to meet fellow members in the association, see what BCSC and BPAA offer you for your dues, have some good food, and of course a nice gift to take home from the association. Another nice thing going on at the event will be a changing of the guard for our board. It's time for five members to step down and time for five new members to join on. I really like that idea because new ideas are always good even though some people don't like change!!! Change is always good. In closing, my dear friend Vic Dunlop passed away recently and for those of you who got to meet him, he was truly a breath of fresh air. I will miss him dearly, and the laughs he provided have all disappeared now. REST IN PEACE BIG FELLA Tom Cristi President Bowling Centers of Southern California BCSC NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 8 PAGE 5 Executive Director Report Minds Over Matters With all the various matters of day to day life of running a bowling center, it is easy to feel like you re stuck inside your own personal bubble left to fend for yourself and figure out how to survive in today s world. It can be tough to break out of that bubble, but when it happens great ideas are created. I was witness to this at the last BCSC Regional meeting that took place at Fountain Bowl on August 30 for the Orange County Region. We had representatives from a half dozen centers on hand to share ideas on what is working to get new bowlers, what s not and everything in between. While all these centers were no more that 20 miles a part from each other, their communities, centers and personalities differ quite greatly. Despite the differences in socioeconomic makeup of their customer, all the managers/ proprietors could agree that bowling can appeal to everybody. It is a matter of finding a way to reach people with a message that will make them want to head down to their local center for a few games. The meeting proceeded with a display of brainstorming at its best. Open communication with opinions, theories, facts and even a few jokes kept the conversation moving and before we knew it, an idea had formed. By combining a number of resources like the BCSC s powerful macro buying position and pool of marketing dollars, the program proposal was one that could not only work for Orange County but the entire BCSC and beyond. Keep an eye out for details on the program in the coming months for what will hopefully be the next big thing. Check out some of the pictures on page 10. This meeting is a perfect example of what can happen when great minds come together. It is something we want to encourage all BCSC members to participate in. The next time there is a regional meeting in your area, make the effort to stop by. You might be surprised when a couple hours during one day can turn into a new revenue stream. Of course, the next chance for EVERY- ONE to bring their collective thoughts together is our annual meeting in October. If great things can come out of a lunch meeting with ten people, imagine what an entire day can do with our entire organization working together. Scott Frager Executive Director Bowling Centers of Southern California
PAGE 6 BCSC mourns the loss of partner, friend Vic Dunlop President Tom Cristi and the BCSC is sad to announce the untimely loss of one of our partners and freinds, Vic Dunlop. Vic passed away Saturday, August the 13th after being hospitalized for a heart condition. He was 63 years old. Vic had been making the bowling industry laugh for the past four years as headliner Vic Dunlop's Comedy Night at Santa Clarita Lanes, the West Coast Bowling Centers Convention, 2011's BCSC Annual Meeting and the 2011 BCSC Golf Tournament and other events. Vic was a fixture in the L.A. comedy scene for over 46 years. He loved making people laugh with his honest, and sometimes raw, comedic style. His contagious smile and laugh put audiences at ease while he performed his special type of comedy magic. A few months ago, Vic became a proud partner of the BCSC. Within weeks of joining he had received gigs from several centers. He was very proud of his partnership and looked forward to the upcoming year of entertaining bowlers in Southern CA. In order to celebrate the life of Vic Dunlop and help his family in their time of need, Santa Clarita Lanes will be hosting a Tribute Dinner and Comedy Show on October 8th. See the next page for more details. Please join the BCSC in expressing condolences to Vic's family by joining in this evening to honor the man, the legend, Vic Dunlop. UPDATE: State soda tax proposal SB 23-1X, the proposed soda tax that would allow local soda taxes to be imposed in California has gone through some major developments. The legislation authorizes any county or city to levy a local tax on a number of items, including sweetened beverages, alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, income, and sales and use. The local taxes would be subject to constitutional and voter approval requirements. SB 23-1X specifies that the sweetened beverage tax cannot exceed 1 cent per fluid ounce, and that the revenues may be allocated towards the county, city, or school districts. The language from a similar bill (SB 653) was inserted into SB 23-1X, which was approved by the full Senate on June 10. The legislation is still awaiting consideration by the Assembly. However, the bill sponsor had said he would only push the local tax proposal if a budget deal could not be reached. Because a budget deal has been reached, we have decreased the threat level for this bill; it will not appear on future lists unless there is new activity. This is fantastic news for the BCSC and bowling centers across California. It shows how the power of a groups voice can make a difference in today s political climate. BCSC
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 9 PAGE 7 Call Craig Goodman at Santa Clarita Lanes to order your tickets
PAGE 8 BCSC Orange County Regional Meeting August 30 - Fountain Valley BCSC Secretary/Treasurer Gary Forman celebrated his birthday the day of the meeting. A delicious deli lunch spread was provided for all in attendance. A variety of topics were discussed and even a formation of a new program for the entire BCSC. STAY TUNED!
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 9 PAGE 9 BCSC PARTNER
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VOLUME 15, ISSUE 9 PAGE 11 Ron Briseno - Vista Entertainment Center Vista, CA - 40 Lanes How long have you been in the bowling business? 4yrs But I grew up in a bowling alley starting at age 7 and bowling until age 22. How did you get into the bowling business? My wife is the controller for the corporation and mentioned to the owner Billy Harmatz that I had bowling knowledge and senior management experience the center needed at the time. He offered me the job. What advice would you give someone who was starting a bowling business? Run your center as a business and not as a bowler. Bowlers don t like change and let s be real most people don t like change. But in the entertainment industry which is what our sport and center are a part of, we must change with the market, times and culture of our specific customers and marketplace. We must make our decision first from a business point of view, then look at the possible effect on the house and league bowlers before making any changes. But Change Is Good! What are some of the biggest challenges for your center? Quality Staffing and ongoing training. What is your most profitable area? Our newly remodeled sports bar and our bowling. What is the biggest benefit/advantage of belonging to the BCSC? The vendor partnerships and rebates. Scott Frager has done an excellent job working with me whenever needed. He s always able to accept my call, return my call or reply to my emails whenever I ve needed to communicate with him. Thanks Scott! How has business been since the economic downturn? Business has been GREAT! We ve increased revenue and profits for the past three straight years and this year we re on track for a fourth. It s taken a good management team, lots of time and hard work but most of all a game plan and commitment by our staff. What is the next major project for your center? Give our snack bar a facelift. This past February we installed a new scoring system and in March remodeled our sports bar. Married? Kids? Married to my wife Louise for 23yrs. I have two daughters Ashley 22, just graduated from Vanguard University with a degree in communications and Aarica in her second year at the University of Redlands. Do you have any hobbies? Family, work and community service groups such as: The Rotary Club of Vista, Vista Optimist Club and I sit on the board of the Vista Village Business Association and Vista Chamber of Commerce. Do you have a quote to live by? Be thankful of the gifts you receive each day. What is your favorite song? Into the Mystic Van Morrison What was the last book you read? The Bible Favorite movie? The Godfather - Original Why did you join the BCSC association? To partner with an organization built to help us, the bowling centers, with legislation, make us aware of new products and services and network with professionals in the industry with years of knowledge.
FREE MONEY FOR BOWLING IN SCHOOLS Is there a school in your community that could use $1,200 for instructional bowling equipment? Of course there is! The Bowling Foundation is offering an incredible program to give money to schools to get kids excited about bowling! Reach out to local teachers or PTAs you worked with in the past to see if they would be interested in applying. Then, contact the BCSC office at 818-789-0900 or bcsc@socalbowling.com for complete application information.
For more info, call Mark Atcheson at (818) 838-1247. PEPSI SERVICE ISSUES As part of the current Pepsi contract with the BPAA, member centers are not charged for the first three service calls to their centers. However, due to ongoing discussions with Pepsi and the BPAA, Pepsi has agreed to cover service issues beyond the first three visits. If your center has any invoices for such service visits or has a current issue that needs to be resolved, please contact Scott at the BCSC office (818-789-0900) to get help.
PAGE 14 If you wish to contribute to the Phone Cards for the Troops fund please contact the BCSC office at 818-789-0900.
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 9 PAGE 15 BCSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOM CRISTI President Santa Clarita Lanes 21615 W. Soledad Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 P: 661-254-0540 F: 661-254-7562 scl4usc@aol.com DAN MUELLER Vice President Buena Lanes 1788 S. Mesa Verde Ventura, CA 93003 P: 805-656-0666 F: 805-656-0774 buenalanes1@earthlink.net GARY FORMAN Secretary / Treasurer Fountain Bowl 17110 Brookhurst St. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 P: 714-963-7888 F: 714-965-1158 gcf@fountainbowl.com NICOLE ELLISON Del Rosa Lanes 1499 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404 P: 909-886-4675 F: 909-883-4665 nicole@delrosabowl.com CRAIG GOODMAN Santa Clarita Lanes 21615 W. Soledad Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 P: 661-254-0540 F: 661-254-7562 craiggnla@dslextreme.com DINA FINK Buena Lanes 1788 S. Mesa Verde Ventura, CA 93003 P: 805-656-0666 F: 805-656-0774 buenabowler@aol.com JOHNNY HUMBLE Kearny Mesa Bowl 7585 Clairmont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92111 P: 858-279-1501 F: 858-279-8693 johnnyhumble@hotmail.com SCOTT PODDIG Harley s Camarillo Bowl 305 Arneill Rd. Camarillo, CA 93011 P: 805-482-0747 F: 805-987-5170 cambowlscott@yahoo.com DOUG SVELA Gage Bowl 3477 E. Gage Ave. Huntington Park, CA 90255 P: 323-587-3211 F: 323-587-3531 gagebowl@sbcglobal.net JOE SAMUEL Victor Bowl 12277 Mariposa Road Victorville, CA 92393 P: 760-241-7396 F: 760-241-1309 jsams@pacbell.net TONY SANDS Jewel City Bowl 135 S. Glendale Ave. Glendale, CA 91205 P: 818-243-1188 F: 818-243-6260 tony@jewelcitybowl.com Bowling Centers of Southern CA 13245 Riverside Drive Suite 501 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Scott Frager, Executive Director Phone: 818-789-0900 Fax: 818-783-2874 E-mail: ScottF@socalbowling.com www.socalbowling.com